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Sorry for no chapter yesterday. Today there will be two chapters. Happy Father's Day!
1/2
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The applause reverberated through the training yard, the cheers of his peers echoing in his ears. They swarmed around Max, clapping him on the back, their voices a cacophony of congratulations. Yet Max seemed distant, his eyes unfocused, his face a mask of tranquility.
He moved through the crowd as if in a trance, his mind clearly elsewhere. Without a word, he sat down cross-legged in the middle of the field, his posture rigid and straight, his gaze turning inward. He closed his eyes, and his breathing began to slow, becoming even and deep.
The jovial chatter died down as confusion spread through the crowd. Even Andrew, looked baffled, unsure of how to react. A sense of unease gripped the onlookers as they watched Max fall into what looked like a deep meditative state. They exchanged worried glances, their earlier enthusiasm fading.
Andrew rushed over to the teachers, his face pale, his eyes wide with concern. The instructors, a group of seasoned mages and knights, quickly responded, making their way through the crowd to Max.
As they examined him, they murmured amongst themselves, their faces reflecting a mixture of surprise and relief. Finally, Elara Fairmont, Max's foundational magic theory teacher, with a stern face and kind eyes, turned to the crowd. "This is normal," she assured them. "He is likely consolidating his breakthrough."
Her words were met with a collective sigh of relief. Andrew, however, wasn't entirely convinced. "But why so suddenly?" he asked, his brows furrowed in worry.
The teacher smiled gently. "Awakening can be an intense process, especially if it occurs unexpectedly during combat. His body and mind are now adapting to the new influx of power. It's a good thing."
Despite the reassurances, it was an anxious hour for everyone present. Max remained still, his presence calm and serene amidst the undercurrent of tension. When he finally stirred, opening his eyes, the crowd exhaled collectively.
Max looked around, his gaze clear and steady. He was surprised to see so many people around him, but he realized that they were worried about him. He smiled; his earlier intensity replaced by an aura of peace. As he got up and greeted his teachers and peers, it was clear that something within him had changed. He was more collected, more self-assured.
The teachers invited Max into the main building, their expressions filled with curiosity and respect. Max followed them willingly, eager to discuss the abrupt change he had experienced.
In a simple small conference room,
the teachers assembled, creating an aura of solemnity. Max took a seat across from them, his heart pounding in his chest. Soon, the door creaked open one more time, and in walked Headmaster Thorne Alcastor.
A man of tall stature, with a crown of snow-white hair and a beard to match, Thorne's presence was commanding, filling the room with an almost tangible sense of power. His ice-blue eyes scrutinized Max, a ghost of a smile playing on his lips. "Well done, Max. Your Awakening has surpassed all our expectations."
"Thank you, Headmaster Alcastor," Max replied, trying to steady his nerves. The approval from the headmaster meant more than he had thought it would.
Thorne took a seat at the head of the table, his gaze never leaving Max. "We've been discussing your case, Max. And given the speed of your Awakening, it seems certain changes to your training regimen are in order."
Max nodded, silently urging himself to be ready for whatever was coming. The headmaster continued, "Firstly, you will be moved to an advanced battle training class, where you will spar with other Awakened students. This will challenge you further and enhance your skills in real combat scenarios."
The thought was daunting, but Max knew he had to face stronger opponents to grow. He nodded his understanding, and the headmaster moved on.
"You'll also be taking an advanced Mage theory class, diving deeper into the complexities of magic and its origins. It's important for you to understand the theoretical aspects of magic as much as the practical."
Max had always enjoyed the theoretical aspect of magic, the rules and principles that governed the mystical forces. This would be an exciting addition.
"And finally, a Magic combat class will be added to your schedule. This is where you'll learn to blend your physical combat abilities with your magical powers, a skill necessary for every Awakened."
Max's mind raced with the implications. More training, more magic, more power. It was a thrilling prospect, but also a huge responsibility. He felt the weight of it but nodded his agreement. It was time to step up.
"Tomorrow, come to my office," Thorne added after a brief pause. "We'll run some tests to determine your elemental affinities. That will help us customize your training further, giving you a firm foundation in the magic you're most naturally attuned to."
Saying that, Thorne Alcastor, stood up and left the room.
"Good job Max, you are very talented, so study hard and your future will be bright." Said Ms. Fairmont.
Feeling a mix of relief and anticipation, Max thanked Ms. Fairmont and the other teachers before excusing himself from the conference room. With a newfound sense of purpose, he headed toward the dining hall, his stomach reminding him of the meal he had missed due to the unexpected turn of events.
As he entered the dining hall, the hubbub of conversation and the clatter of cutlery ceased. Heads turned, eyes widened, and whispers filled the air. Max could feel the stares, more intense than when the news of his fight with Skal had first spread. It was clear that the news of his rapid Awakening had reached everyone.
He took it in stride, a small smile playing on his lips as he filled his plate with food. He nodded in response to the congratulations he received, taking a moment to thank each person individually. His calm demeanor only seemed to increase the awe in their eyes.
Returning to the dormitory with his meal, he found Oliver sprawled on his bed, engrossed in a book. The moment he saw Max, Oliver sprang up, his eyes wide with shock. "Max! Is it true? You've Awakened?" he stammered, barely able to contain his surprise.
Max chuckled, taking a seat at the small table in their shared space. "Yeah, it seems so. It all happened so fast."
"But...you're ahead of everyone now," Oliver said, his tone a mixture of disbelief and admiration. He looked at Max with newfound respect. "That's amazing, Max!"
Max grinned at his friend, his expression teasing. "Don't look so shocked, Oliver. Did you really think you would be faster?"
Oliver shook his head, chuckling. "No, no, it's not that. It's just... You've set a high bar, my friend."
Max's smile softened as he clapped his friend on the shoulder. "Then we better make sure you reach it, eh? You're next, Oliver. And don't worry, I won't be going anywhere. I'll be right here to help you catch up."
They laughed together, their bond of friendship even stronger than before. Max knew that this new journey would be full of challenges, but with friends like Oliver at his side, he would make it more enjoyable and fun.